If you need something done, hand it to Gianna. She is no-nonsense, driven, and thoroughly capable of meeting any challenge head-on. If the challenge is for the betterment of her special-needs children, she is nothing short of a woman on a mission.
There were three big things on Gianna’s must-do list: Get her GED, pass her citizenship test, and get a job at her children’s school – all to make her kids’ day-to-day lives better. With both of her children on the Autism spectrum, school could be a difficult setting for them. Having mom nearby would make all the difference in the world.
Over the course of one summer, Gianna made it her mission to accomplish all three of these goals. “I just knew if I was going to do it, it had to be now. I was so motivated to get it done.” Her husband was a major source of support and encouragement, but she needed classes to prepare for the GED.
Gianna sought help from The Literacy Alliance of Northeast Florida. She was able to take the classes she needed on her own schedule with a combination of in-person and online classes. “I’ll be honest, I was a little nervous to walk into the class that first time. It’s been a while since I’ve been in school! But the range of ages in the room made me feel comfortable right away.” Algebra was the class she was most worried about. “The instructor really encouraged me not to feel overwhelmed and assured me that it would all come back to me as we worked on it together.”
The instructor was right – Gianna passed her GED algebra test on the first try, along with two other tests. She needed a second try on the social studies test, but true to Gianna’s character, she went back to take the test again the very next week and passed with flying colors.
The completion of the rest of her goals wasn’t far behind. She passed her citizenship test, and shortly after that, the principal at her kids’ school called to let her know she got the job as a paraprofessional in a classroom of kids with special needs – something Gianna knows a thing or two about.
When asked how she feels about changing the trajectory of her life all in one summer, she said, “It was so worth it. I’m glad I did it. The Literacy Alliance supported me the whole way. They stick with you until you achieve your goals.”
Now, with the security of knowing their mom is in the building, her kids are thriving at school. Plus, Gianna loves her job, and going to work each day feels like a joy.
“My first day on the job, they handed me a key – that literally opens doors. It felt like the perfect metaphor.”
